Nature Conservation Strategy - Policy Proposal NC4

NC 4: The Planning Process

When proposing or considering proposals for development in the Borough, the Council will take full account of the interests of nature conservation and will use the powers available to it to prevent development proposals from having a damaging impact on wildlife or nature conservation interests.

Justification

In order to ensure that areas which have a nature conservation value are sufficiently protected, the Borough Council recognises that the most appropriate protection mechanism to safeguard such sites is through the planning process.

It is therefore appropriate that key elements and policies from the nature conservation strategy be incorporated into the planning process through the Borough Plan.

As the Borough Council is keen to ensure that new developments cause minimal damage to wildlife and their habitats, it will wherever appropriate, seek opportunities to improve the local environment from both a nature conservation and amenity perspective.

Implementation

The Borough Council will;

NC 4.1. Seek to promote development in accordance with natural ecological processes and nature conservation interest. Wherever possible, all new development and redevelopment should:-

a) retain woodland, trees, hedgerows, wetland habitats, watercourses, geological features and other natural features or habitats and protect them during construction work.

b) where the loss of existing wildlife habitats or geological features is unavoidable, provision for replacement habitats should be made where appropriate.

c) incorporate, wherever appropriate, creative conservation measures such as the development of new wildlife habitats or the making of fresh geological exposures.

d) incorporate the greatest possible proportion of appropriate native vegetation in any landscaping or planting scheme, except where special requirements of purpose or location dictate otherwise.

e) incorporate the maximum possible areas of permeable ground surface and take such steps as are necessary to regulate surface water flows from impermeable surfaces in the interests of nature conservation.

f) in the design of built structures, seek to incorporate wildlife habitats and geological features attractive to wildlife.

g) positively address adjacent or proximate nature conservation resources.

NC 4.2. When considering planning applications, require the submission of the information set out below where this is necessary to assess the impact of proposed developments on habitats, wildlife, landscape and the green network.

a) where it is deemed the scale of impact of a proposed development is sufficient or where a proposed development affects a SSSI, an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) will be requested.

b) an ecological assessment detailing the potential impact of the application.

c) an accurate survey of all existing trees, hedges and shrubs, including those affected by the proposed development.

d) proposed changes to ground levels and drainage, existing or proposed services.

e) proposed protection measures for existing vegetation, single or groups of trees, ponds, or any other habitats from the effect of the development or construction operations.

f) landscape schemes and re-instatement proposals giving full details of species, species mix, plant specifications, densities, soil preparation and planting specifications.

g) where appropriate, a full maintenance plan for any reinstatement or landscape works including contractual liabilities for the site.

h) where proposals affect an existing or adjacent woodland, the identification and preservation of a suitable and viable woodland edge.

NC 4.3. Seek to inform and advise prospective developers on ecological constraints and interests which may be associated with any planning application.

NC 4.4. Ensure, wherever possible, proposed developments will not adversely affect the nature conservation interest of adjacent and surrounding areas by imposing conditions or seeking Section 106 agreements to achieve such ends.

NC 4.5. Recognise nature conservation as a legitimate land use in its own right within the planning process.

NC 4.6. Resist the removal of and specify protection for established trees through the use of TPO's.

NC 4.7. Seek to incorporate measures within development schemes to protect the integral nature conservation interest to restore or compensate for any loss of habitat and improve the wildlife interest of the land.

NC 4.8. Assess the scope for improving the nature conservation interest of any proposed development site by use of agreements or conditions.

NC 4.9. Insist on landscaping proposals which help to restore any damage caused to wildlife habitats where approval of developments would cause damage or disturbance to the ecological integrity of the site.

NC 4.10. Update and develop the design guide "Retaining Hastings Trees" as a general guidance for developers to include provision for features of nature conservation importance, their protection, management and creation.

NC 4.11. Seek to influence developments and initiatives which fall outside its direct powers of control such as road construction, waste disposal, supply of utilities etc., to protect and/or mitigate damage to the natural resource of the district.

NC 4.12. Incorporate design guidance in development briefs which will:-

a) identify features of wildlife or landscape interest to be retained in the scheme;

b) specify measures to restore or compensate for any loss of wildlife habitat;

c) specify landscaping requirements.

NC 4.13. State, where appropriate, the effects applications and proposals may have on the nature conservation interest and natural habitats of any site in Committee Reports to Members of the Borough Council.

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